Hamas Agrees in Principle to U.S. Proposal to End Gaza Conflict, Reports Haaretz
Sara KhaledHamas has given preliminary approval to a ceasefire deal in Gaza backed by President Donald Trump's administration, according to Israeli sources. The agreement would see all Israeli hostages released immediately in exchange for a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The proposed deal marks a significant shift after months of failed negotiations. Qatar played a key role in pushing Hamas toward accepting the framework, while Trump plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to finalize the details.
Sources say Qatar is expected to deliver an official signed message from Hamas confirming their agreement to the deal. The American proposal calls for Hamas to release all hostages in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences and others with lengthy terms.
Current Israeli prison data shows 289 Palestinians serving life sentences, 59 others with sentences exceeding 30 years, plus 1,407 sentenced prisoners and around 4,800 detainees awaiting trial or in custody.
**Reconstruction Plans Take Shape**
Washington is working on a Gaza reconstruction plan that's been discussed repeatedly over the past two years, including during Joe Biden's presidency. The plan aims to involve Arab nations in funding and managing reconstruction efforts.
The agreement would require Israel to abandon any plans to annex Gaza, destroy it, or displace its population. Hamas would lose its political authority in the territory, though this falls short of the "complete elimination" goal that Israel's government has long promoted.
**America Changes Course**
Three sources told Haaretz that Hamas's position shifted after a failed Israeli operation in Doha on September 9, which prompted US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the war.
The United States now recognizes that continuing to give Netanyahu time for Gaza operations destabilizes the region and harms American allies. This realization pushed Washington to recalibrate its approach.
The most significant breakthrough is Hamas's preliminary agreement to release all hostages without keeping some as leverage - something the group previously refused to do. This represents a major concession that could pave the way for a comprehensive deal.
The timing suggests both sides face mounting pressure to reach an agreement, with regional stability and international relationships hanging in the balance.
